1. Description and objective
In 2022 the University launched its Strategic Framework for Global Engagement, inspired by the urgent concern for our common home, and focusing on wicked, systemic global challenges. These challenges range from the interconnected SDG’s, the climate crisis, changes in international power relationships, a contested heritage of western supremacism, extractivism, and exploitation. To remain relevant as an institution today requires precisely reflecting upon this rapidly changing and complex context and propose holistic and collaborative approaches to create meaningful change.
2. Call
| The university wishes to promote its global engagement and relevance in tackling above context through an annual prize that rewards partnerships and collaborations that promote reflection and dialogue about equitable north-south partnerships, decolonization, global citizenship, anti-racism, epistemology and knowledge violence, development cooperation, and global citizenship education. |
The decision to name this annual 'Prize' on Global Engagement after Paul Panda Farnana is a meaningful gesture to commemorate and honor the legacy of the first Congolese graduate of Belgian Higher Education, who was a dedicated advocate for African emancipation.
3. Candidates: sustainable partnerships
Nominations for the Paul Panda Farnana Prize must be submitted by a member of the University of Antwerp to the Academic Committee on Global Engagement through the form below.
Sustainable partnerships can be nominated through someone affiliated with the University of Antwerp who is engaged in such initiative. Each nomination should include:
- A concise description of the partnership you wish to nominate.
- A rationale for the nomination that aligns with the objectives of the Global Engagement Strategic Framework.
4. Jury award and selection
The Paul Panda Farnana Prize is bestowed annually in March, coinciding with the University's Global Engagement and Diversity Month. The recipient is chosen by the Academic Committee on Global Engagement.
The award is presented at the university's annual Global Engagement academic event, with the upcoming one scheduled for April 3rd 2025.
Nominations can be submitted until the 17th of March 2025.
The Academic Committee on Global Engagement places emphasis on initiatives that demonstrate innovation, impact, and critical reflection, all in line with the principles of the Global Engagement Strategic Framework.
The prize includes recognition for the work done, and the selected project may benefit from further dissemination through the Global Engagement website in March.
5. Prize
The award consists of a prize of 1,500€ and a symbolic artwork referring to the principles of Global Engagement as articulated in the Strategic Framework.
This project was made possible by Global Minds funding from VLIR-UOS.
